Overview & Reviews
Most people know that Mazda builds sporty cars. But for some, it's the company's history of building true sports cars with lightweight rotary engines that sets it apart from the competition. The Mazda RX-8 was one of these models, and it enjoys the distinction of being the only one with a four-door configuration, providing reverse-opening rear access doors and a genuinely accommodating backseat. Sold from 2004-'11, the RX-8 didn't change much during its lengthy run.
The heart of the Mazda RX-8 is a 1.3-liter rotary engine with a thrilling 9,000-rpm redline: that is, if you can find one with the six-speed manual transmission. The available six-speed automatic was limited to 7,500 rpm, yielding about 10 percent less horsepower. With either transmission, torque from the rotary engine is very modest, and shoppers should note that this engine is known for both significant oil consumption and poor fuel economy. But with its perfectly balanced weight distribution, sharp steering and svelte 3,000-pound curb weight, the rear-wheel-drive RX-8 is one of the best-handling cars ever made.
User Reviews:
Showing 661 through 670 of 879.00-
Oh Shinka! - 2005 Mazda RX-8
By SK - August 26 - 3:50 pmMy Shinka is hot! Been on numerous tri-state road trips and the fun quotient cannot be matched. Unique looks of the Shinka garner a lot of admiration even from fellow RX-8 owners. Has passed all recall tests with flying colors. Similar bugs already mentioned but overall an awesome, sexy yet functional car. Only cons - light colored leather and the gas mileage.
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Fun car, but scared of snow flakes - 2005 Mazda RX-8
By Jwill - August 22 - 9:53 pmGreat ride. A little slow off the line but rips above 5000 RPMs. Handling is amazing. The brakes are less than high-performance--very squeeky. (Ive gone through 2 sets of rotors with only 26k). As far as snow goes, this thing starts slipping and sliding about 2 secs after the first flake hits the ground---garage it.
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Great! - 2004 Mazda RX-8
By ElvishKitten - August 18 - 2:00 amI love it! Its a great car and fun to drive.
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RX8 - Wow - 2004 Mazda RX-8
By dlwoolums - August 18 - 2:00 amThe rotary engine feels like it is directly connected to the gas pedal. When you decide to go, it JUMPS at the chance.
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Best RX Yet - 2005 Mazda RX-8
By Zoom Zoom - August 14 - 6:00 amIve owned two earlier editions of the RX7. The RX8 has to win the title of the "Most Fun to Drive." There is no car Ive driven at less than twice the price thats so agile. Its like a four wheeled motorcycle. Somehow Mazda developed a suspension that is comfortable for cruising yet delivers real "seat of the pants" handling and road feel. Its like nothing else on the road. Only negatives: surprisingly poor gas mileage and trunk which is really an auxilliary glove compartment. (Throw your luggage in the back seat.)
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Zoom Zoom with lots of room - 2004 Mazda RX-8
By GaylordMays - August 13 - 1:46 pmThe RX-8 wont go 0-60 with blinding speed. Its only 1.8 liters, but if you want to rip through a winding roads like sports cars are meant to do, you cant beat it for the price. Its worst feature is gas mileage. I love the interior layout. All the gauges are clearly visible and the huge 10K tach with the digital speedometer is way cool even though I dont look at it much; I shift by sound. If I get to wound up in the post 8000 rpm whine the audible alarm that goes off as I pass through 95K mark reminds me to shift. I havent experienced any maintenance problems (mines a 6 speed manual). My biggest thrill comes from the G-force engaging the limited slip differential in the curves.
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great car - 2004 Mazda RX-8
By rudy18s - August 12 - 2:00 amthe car is really fun to drive. i love to go everywhere, its addicting
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Pimpn sports Car - 2004 Mazda RX-8
By Pedro21 - August 12 - 2:00 amwell im only 17, dont know much bout cars, but my rx-8 the best..it attracts so much attention..the only i thing i worry bout is the mileage but the beauty of the interior and exterior is so appealing to the eye..too bad i didnt get leather..but the car is nice without it
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More problems than its worth - 2005 Mazda RX-8
By Ron - August 7 - 3:56 amI have tried to like this car. Looks great. However have had many problems. Replaced both headlight assembly and taillight assembly for moisture problems. Front end, exhaust, brakes have been worked on. Replaced motor mounts, spark plugs, and now transmission. Still have a tapping noise in the engine when in gear. Lots of road noise. Tired of taking it to the dealership. Had a 1993 Mustang that gave me less trouble.
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A CAR TO DRIVE - 2004 Mazda RX-8
By YUNUS SAHIN - August 2 - 10:00 amTHE car is beatiful forget all the things it has just the exterior look of the car draws the attention. interior with two diffrent colors is another nice piece of a rx8. not to talk to much this car is a car to drive
